The Forrest City times., 1887-12-24
CHRlST MAS.

\ Eighteen hundred and eighty y-seven Esears ago took place in Judea, the .eountry of the Jews. the most stupen- 1ous event, as it regards the interest hnd destiny of mankind, that the Chronicles of history records, which las the birth of Jesus Christ, the son
 Mary, the Savior of degenerate, hllen man. The event was not un- Aerxlded either by prophecy or by Supernatural signs. The shepherds That watched the sheep-cotes of their locks on the mountains suddenly saw the cold, moonlit air filled with celes- f ftial choristers singing the sweetest music that ever rolled in melody over earth's uneven surface-"Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will towards man." The sleepy inhabi- tants of Bethlehem walked amidst the most delicious strains that ever fell upon human ears, for it was a band of choristers with wings from the celes- tial world announcing the birth of the Son of God. This wonderful song swept in melting rhapsody over hill and plain, accompanied by star of universal splendor that hung over the little city where Mary's first lay in the manger. Oh, what condescension, that Christ, son of the Most High, should slumber away his introduction to life amongst men with the beasts of the stall! And yet it is so written. These facts, when consulted by the light of reason. confound our highest intelli- gence and we are compelled to take them in by faith. The whole scheme of redemption is the work of our Father in Heaven, without the aid of human speech or human thought, the acts of the mighty, independent God of the universe.
 Christmas should be season of re- joicing, thanksgiving and prayer, as well as season of family association, in eating and drinking the best our means can afford. We are gratiied in having good dinners, a glass of wine or eggnog, but eating and drinking in moderation and gratitude for these good gifts of providence are enjoined. Yes, we have the right to be glad and make merry on Christmas time with our friends in presenting gifts of re- membrance and calling up long-forgot- ten deeds of kindness and love. Let the young dance, if they will, and the old look on in silence, if not expressed appreciation. But let all this merry making and rejoicing be done in decency and good order, without ex- cess. Of all the seasons of the year it is the last that we should abuse in carousing and drunkenness. Shame upon christian people who will sink the high behests of the occasion in dissipation and wild revelry.
 In conclusion. look around you and see that no poor man, woman or child goes without a Christmas dinner. Hunt them up and carry it to them and present it in the name of the infant Christ. Nay, more; if you, dear reader, have the means, do not stop at a dinner. When you see the poor desti- tute little ones with no Christmas presents to make their faces glad and their eyes sparkle, spend few dimes for doll for the little girl, horse, a wagon or a drum for the little boy, and hand it over in the name of Mary's in- fant, who was too poor, with the wealth of worlds at his command, to receive any present save those given by the Persian magic under the direc- tion of Jehovah's wisdom and power.
 Of all the times of the year when the christians zeal should be stirred to it's depths of gratitude, and his heart be fired with the warmth of liberality, it is the celebration of the birth of Christ. See, dear readers, that you forget none of these pleasant duties which will be entered in the books of eternal life to your everlasting credit. Make it a time of hearty re- joicing, but in the spirit of moderation and good will. TIE TIMES wishes . merry Christmas to all.